About The Artist

Stephen Clary

As far ago as I can remember I’ve looked to the natural world, particularly plants and flowers, for inspiration. Like my father before me I worked as a gardener during my teenage years and inspired particularly by the practice of Japanese artists, returned to it as soon as I had finished my art school training.

Each time I start a piece of work it is like entering into a dialogue with a subject. Some conversations are relatively short and sweet, direct and to the point. Some are more convoluted, their outcome elusive. The results vary accordingly. Whilst my main interests are form, colour and light (especially when the sun renders petals and leaves translucent!), sometimes the work will be more expressive; more linear; more photographic. Sometimes the images will become more fragmented as my attention is captured by that play of light through petals or the spaces between them. Colours are built up using multiple layers to achieve luminosity. Like many artists I tend to work in series – focusing on ideas, colours or flowers which inspire me at the time, returning to them over the course of months or years. Always my aim is to produce something beautiful.

Since moving to Cordes-sur-Ciel in Southwest France in July 2015, I have been taking additional delight in the deluge of flowers which each month brings – irises, wisteria, roses, lilies, sunflowers… The beauty of Cordes itself provides me with enormous pleasure and is an increasing source of inspiration. My atelier here allows me to work and exhibit free of gallery restraints for the first time.

In these challenging times I feel it is ever more important to pause, observe, and celebrate the beauty of nature.